Festive Fourth of July Events and Fireworks 22
Total Views: 162 By Karen Pearlman June 25, 2025 (San Diego County) – Independence Day in the USA is just days away, and across San Diego County, there are myriad events to be part of to celebrate. East County Magazine has compiled a list of various offerings to celebrate the Fourth of July, whatever part of the region you’re in. All events are on July 4 unless otherwise noted. El Cajon 4th of July Fireworks at Kennedy Park Time: 3 to 7 p.m. Activities include train rides, crafts, games and a DJ with fireworks at 9 p.m. More information: https://www.elcajon.gov/discover-el-cajon/events/fourth-of-july Santee Salutes 4th of July Celebration Time: 2 to just after 10 p.m. (concluding with fireworks at 9) at Town Center Community Park East Activities include live music with Full Strength band from 6 to 9 p.m., a patriotic ceremony at 6 p.m., kids zone, food vendors and more More information: https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/santee-salutes/45842 Ramona Family Picnic & Fireworks Time: Starts about 4 p.m. with picnicking areas available at Olive Peirce Middle School Activities include food vendors, DJ, cornhole, face painting and more with fireworks at 9 p.m. behind Olive Peirce set to Star 94.1 FM More information: https://ramonachamber.com/fireworks/ Julian Fourth of July Parade & Events – Main Street, Julian Time: 9 a.m. to noon Activities include a patriotic parade, live music, pie-eating contest and vintage plane flyover More information: https://www.julianparade.com/ Viejas Freedom Fest – Viejas Casino, Alpine Time: 8:45 p.m. fireworks display; the event itself with dinner and entertainment is for members only but fireworks will be visible in surrounding area. Poway “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July” at Old Poway Park Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., then fireworks at Poway High Sportsplex at 9 p.m. Activities include vintage games, crafts, model trains and more More information: https://poway.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4693&month=7&year=2025&day=4&calType=0 Rancho Bernardo – “Spirit of the Fourth: Keep the Spirit Alive” Time: Starts at 9 a.m. Activities include crafts, food booths, motor show, children’s activities, a parade from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Larry Himmel Memorial Patriotic Pet Contest from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., Veterans memorial service at 11:30 a.m., music and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. and fireworks at Rancho Bernardo High at 9 p.m. (Donations are requested) More information: https://spiritofthefourth.org/ Scripps Ranch Parade & Run/Ride Time: Parade and run start at about 10 a.m. More information: https://www.scrippsranch.org/committees/4th-of-july/ Big Bay Boom – San Diego Bay Time: 9 p.m. California’s largest Independence Day fireworks, launched from four barges across the bay. Best viewing spots: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North/South Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing – also great on the waterfront from a boat or from Mount Soledad SeaWorld San Diego – Mission Bay When: July 3 to 6, nightly from about 8:50 to 9 p.m. Note: Special Independence Day fireworks included with park admission, ideal to watch from adjacent beaches or inside SeaWorld San Diego County Fair – Del Mar Fairgrounds Time: 9 p.m. fireworks Spectacular on the Corona Grandstand Stage, gates open 7 p.m. (Fairgrounds open at 11 a.m.) Note: Ticketed seated and standing options available More information: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2025/fireworks La Jolla Drone Show – Kellogg Park Time: 9 to 9:30 p.m. at La Jolla Shores Quieter, high-tech show with 500 drones offering patriotic formations over La Jolla Shores More information: https://www.ljshoreshotel.com/july4droneshow/ Coronado All-Day Celebration – Orange Avenue & Glorietta Bay Time: Fun run starts at 7:30 a.m. Activities include a parade at 10 a.m. and concert at about 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. over Glorietta Bay and the Coronado Golf Course. Also will include Navy Leap Frogs skydiving and headline entertainment Escondido Independence Festival & Fireworks – Grape Day Park and California Center for the Arts campus Time: 4 to 9:30 p.m. 60th annual festival includes live music and dancing from 5:15 to 9 p.m., artisan vendors, food trucks, beer garden, kids activities, complimentary admission to the Escondido History Center from 4 to 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. More information: https://artcenter.org/event/60th-annual-independence-day-festival/ San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza Red, White and BOOM! at Bradley Park Time: Entertainment starts at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Activities include live music by Republic of Music, carnival games, jumpers food vendors More information: https://www.san-marcos.net/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/10058/5347?curm=7&cury=2024 Chula Vista 4th Fest – Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center Time: Gates open at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Fireworks set to a custom soundtrack on Amor 102.9 More information: https://www.chulavistaca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/35962/2854?curm=7&cury=2025 Imperial Beach Pier Fireworks – IB Pier Time: Starts at 1 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Activities include live music from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with free beach viewing of fireworks, synced to KyXy 96.5 FM More information: https://ibparksandrec.org/578/4th-of-July-Celebration Printer-friendly version
22 viewsREVOLUTIONARY WAR AIRPORTS? TRUMP STUMBLE ON HISTORY PROMPTS TWITTER WIT 5.6K
Total Views: 103 East County News Service July 5, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – During a Fourth of July Salute to America in Washington D.C. yesterday featuring fireworks, tanks and a flyover by military planes, President Donald Trump made a statement filled with historical gaffes, prompting wits to take to Twitter in response. While speaking of the Revolutionary War in 1775 that resulted in American independence from Britain, Trump stated, “The Continental Army suffered a bitter winter in Valley Forge, found glory across the waters of the Delaware and seized victory from Cornwallis of Yorktown. Our army manned the airports, it rammed the ramparts, it took over the airports, it did everything it had to do, and at Fort McHenry, under the rockets’ red glare, it had nothing but victory.” View video. The first reported airplane flight wasn’t until 1903 with the Wright Brothers, long after both the Revolutionary War and the later War of 1812 at which Fort McHenry was bombarded by British ships, not America’s army. The White House has blamed a teleprompter that failed for the President’s ad libbed inaccuracies. Wits promptly took to Twitter with the hashtags #RevolutionaryWarAirports and #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories. Here are a few humorous highlights: Nik Childers @Truckeepix 21h21 hours ago (Boston, 1775) Remember Paul, 1 lantern if the British invade by land, 2 if by sea, and 3 if by Air, Ok? #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories Roberta Murphy @Roberta1776 20h20 hours ago Our forward thinking generals have captured all of the airports. If Congress will fund holding them for the next 120 years we may yet win this war. #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories Patti Odette Althoff @PattiAlthoff TSA takes forever when your ID is a 6 foot oil painting. #revolutionarywarairports Bearsheba @Kupferer 19h19 hours ago Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson, please pick up the white courtesy horn. #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories Miss Peacock @AltPeapup 18h18 hours ago Actual footage of the Battle of LaGuardia. #RevolutionaryWarAirports D Patek @familypast 10h10 hours ago On behalf of General Washington and the entire crew, welcome aboard Continental Airlines flight 1776, with non-stop service to Yorktown and continuing on to Fort McHenry. #RevolutionaryWarAirports Steve Redmond @sjredmond 10h10 hours ago Dearest Betsy: It was the most hellish of flights across the Potomac. I sat beside a gentleman extolling the virtues of The Mad king. He wore a red cap emblazoned with the slogan ‘Make the Colonies Great Again’. Next time I‘ll take a boat. Love George #RevolutionaryWarAirports Deb Amlen @DebAmlen My dear Frederick, They continue to hold us prisoner. All we have been given to eat are small portions of miniature pretzels, and no ale or mead. They torture us with stories of some mythical being called a “beverage cart,” yet it does not appear. #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories ᑕᕼᑌᑎK @chunkled Dearest Martha, Please ensure to pack our socks. We shant ride in the flying carriage whilst having our feet exposed. George Covfefe Jones- King Of Shade@King_Of_Shade 19h19 hours ago #RevolutionaryWarAirportStories The Battle of Baggage Claim (1776) Many Lives were lost. And Bags too. Some people are saying it was the worst massacre they had ever seen. Art from @Acyn Actual conversation I just had with someone. I’m calling this “How to write an @nbcsnl skit in one easy text” #revolutionarywar #RevolutionaryWarAirport SuzieR @rue_berger Replying to @King_Of_Shade Flights readying for takeoff at first colonial #RevolutionaryWarAirport Printer-friendly version
5.6K viewsSAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY REMINDS PET PARENTS TO KEEP ANIMALS SAFE ON JULY FOURTH 1.5K
Total Views: 31 Source: San Diego Humane Society July 2, 2019 (San Diego) – As people plan their July Fourth celebrations, San Diego Humane Society is reminding pet parents to keep their animals in mind, as there is often an increase in lost pets following the holiday. For the safety and protection of pets, SDHS recommends the following: Leave pets at home and inside. It is safer and less stressful for your pet if you keep them inside as fireworks can be scary and stressful for them. Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. Pet-proof your home. When scared, some animals may become destructive, so be sure to remove anything from reach that can become damaged or may harm your pet if chewed or eaten. Identification is essential. Make sure all your pets are microchipped with current contact information tags on their collar and that your dogs are licensed. Consult a veterinarian for pets with anxiety. Check with your veterinarian before July Fourth to seek out remedies to lower your pet’s stress level if this is a known issue. “There is typically a spike in the number of stray animals that we receive the day after July Fourth. That’s why it is so important for pet parents to plan ahead and make sure their animals are safe during the celebrations,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. All SDHS shelters will be closed for July Fourth. If you find a stray pet over the holiday, please isolate him from your pets, keep him safe overnight and bring him to us on July 5 during normal business hours from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you lose a pet over the holiday, please check our Found Pets page on July 5. Printer-friendly version
1.5K viewsRUNAWAY DOGS FROM JULY FOURTH STILL UNCLAIMED 2.4K
Total Views: 33 By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office Source: County News Service July 14, 2016 (San Diego) – Rover and 56 of his runaway friends are still waiting for their owners to take them home from the County’s three animal shelters. If they aren’t picked up, some dogs will be put for adoption starting Wednesday. Dogs often flee in a panic during Fourth of July fireworks, and the shelters had a surge of animals starting on the holiday this year from Animal Control Officers picking up dogs as strays or people bringing in lost animals. In all, 156 dogs came into the shelters between 9 p.m. July 4 and the evening of July 7. The animal care facility at Gaines Street in San Diego took in 60 dogs, the one in Carlsbad received 13 and the shelter in Bonita saw 83. Many were claimed, a few were transferred to the appropriate jurisdictions but on Wednesday, 57 dogs remained. The shelters are required to hold dogs without identification for only three business days, not counting the day the dog was rescued or the days the shelters are closed. After that time, the dogs are put up for adoption. If the dog did have ID, County Animal Services notified the owner by phone and by mail. The shelters are only required to hold those dogs for five business days. For many, the time period ended Wednesday so if their owners didn’t come for them, they too were put up for adoption. Their photos are now posted on the County Animal Services adoption web page. “It’s unfortunate that these animals haven’t been claimed,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “We’re going to focus now on getting these dogs into new homes.” Owners who are still looking for their pets can go online and check the County Animal Services lost and found page and the adoption page as well. They can also use the free facial recognition app called Finding Rover to see if their dogs have been found. County Animal Services offers microchipping at all three of its locations from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday. There is a one-time fee of $10 and that includes national registration. Printer-friendly version
2.4K viewsFINDING ROVER AFTER FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS 2.1K
Total Views: 32 By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office Image Credit: County Department of Animal Services July 5, 2016 (San Diego) — Dozens of dogs are waiting for their owners at the County’s three animal care facilities the day after Fourth of July fireworks exploded around the county. While it’s impossible to say exactly what drove each dog loose, they are known to panic at the noise and run off to escape. As of late Tuesday afternoon, 59 dogs had been brought into the shelters and more are still expected to arrive. Last year, 67 dogs came in the first few days after the Fourth of July. The holiday is typically one of the busiest times for the County’s Department of Animal Services. Like last year, animal control officers worked the entire night to rescue lost dogs. The officers serve the County’s unincorporated areas and the six contract cities of San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar and Santee. Since then, only a handful of the dogs have been reunited with their owners. One shepherd mix is recovering from injuries after being hit by a car in the 1200 block of Euclid. “If you’ve lost your pet, check the Animal Services lost and found web page,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “We post photos of animals as soon as each animal is kenneled at the shelter.” You can also register your lost dog with Finding Rover, a free facial recognition app used by the public and County Animal Services. All you have to do is upload a photo of your lost dog and it will search its database as well as those of the three County shelters to see if any of the faces of lost or found dogs match that of your dog. Finally, post “lost dog” signs in the neighborhood. Someone may be holding the dog to see if anyone puts up fliers. If you find a lost dog, make sure it stays safe by trying to contain it on your property. Many times, you can lure a pet into a safe area with a treat. Once the dog is secure, contact Animal Services at (619) 767-2675 and an officer will be sent out to pick up the animal. If you aren’t in their jurisdiction, they will refer you to the proper jurisdiction. If the dog doesn’t have any identification and isn’t picked up in three business days, he will become available for adoption. If he does have ID, Animal Services will contact the owners. If the pet isn’t picked up by July 12, then he’ll become available for adoption the following day. If you’d like to microchip your dog, County Animal Services offers microchipping from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday at all three of its locations. The chips cost $10 each and include national registration. Printer-friendly version
2.1K viewsFROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: STOP AND THINK! 2K
Total Views: 32 By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna July 6, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Observing the calls being dispatched this weekend certainly proved a lack of common sense, civility and what a tender box we truly are in as fireworks and careless acts sparked additional wildfires, homes and even commercial business fires this Fourth of July weekend. Most from illegal fireworks. Stop and Think! Fires raged both locally and as far north as the state of Washington as thousands of acres continue to be destroyed and communities threatened. The worst part about this is we’ve only just begun reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. We have already started a very long, hot and dangerous summer. Stop and Think! This Fourth of July also proved a spike in lack of common sense and civility being exercised as senseless road rage incidents, shootings and assaults occurred throughout the area. Boating accidents and traffic accidents were also on the rise. More people than ever are not paying attention while texting and driving. Not to mention an increase of hiker related rescue calls from dehydration and unprepared outdoor activities. Stop and Think! I believe in the importance to stop and think. Play the tape forward before acting upon something or a thought and determine what could happen or what are the consequences of our actions. If we just “Stop and Think” we might see different outcomes. The choices you make right now, could be harmful and even deadly to yourself and others. Stop and Think! Printer-friendly version
2K viewsFROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: 4TH OF JULY SAFETY 3.7K
Total Views: 36 July 1, 2013 (San Diego) – With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before you and your family celebrate, make sure everyone knows about 4th of July safety, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. If not handled properly, fireworks, barbeques and heat can be dangerous and cause injuries to kids and adults. The best advice: “Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals,” says Chief DiGiovanna. Barbeque Safety: Keep grills away from anything that can burn, such as your house, car or dry vegetation. Don’t leave the grill unattended while it’s cooking. Keep children and pets away from the grill. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluid designed for grills; NEVER USE GASOLINE. Do not add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel. Make sure coals are completely extinguished and cold before disposing of them. Never wear loose clothing when cooking. Never Barbeque indoors. Fireworks Safety: First and foremost, make sure fireworks are legal in your community. Check with your local fire department. Always read directions. Use outdoors only. Do not use near grass or other flammable materials. Light one at a time. Spectators need to keep a safe distance. Never point or throw fireworks at people or objects. Always have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Never attempt to re-light or fix fireworks Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. When disposing of used fireworks, soak in a bucket or trashcan of water overnight away from the house or garage. A responsible adult should be in charge of the activities. Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The chances are it will be warm outside: Don’t get dehydrated – consume lots of water. Make sure your pets have lots of water. When outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible – avoid the direct sun. Avoid severe sunburn by applying sun block. For additional 4th of July Safety information contact your local fire department and visit: http://ezinearticles.com/?4th-of-July-Safety-Tips&id=2472584 Be Safe and Happy 4th of July! Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna *Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information or the suggestions made. Printer-friendly version
3.7K viewsPIZZA EVENT TO KICK OFF JULIAN’S JULY 4TH PARADE FUNDRAISING ON MARCH 25 2.2K
Total Views: 27 March 17, 2013 (Julian) – All of Julian is invited to join the Fourth of July Parade Committee for an evening of fun, festivity and fundraising at Wynola Pizza on March 25. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Barn. You can enjoy a pizza dinner plus locally produced wine and cider while supporting the parade. The committee will also offer raffle tickets for a ride on a vintage aircraft, an opportunity to purchase t-shirts worn on parade day 20 years ago, and share in the 50/50 drawing. This year’s event honors the parade’s Grand Marshal—the town’s founders, members of the Richard Bailey family. Bailey is the grandson of Drue Bailey, who homesteaded hundreds of acres, originally laid out the town site in the 1880s, and gave lot to anyone who would agree to build a house on it. Richard Bailey has donated family artifacts and memorabilia to the Julian Pioneer Museum, so residents and future visitors can discover the rich history of this town. This year, as they have previously, Wynola Pizza owners Harry and Sabine Horner have offered to donate a portion of the proceeds of the dinner to the Parade Committee to kick off the fundraising for 2013. Generous community support assures that the Fourth of July Parade will continue to live up to its reputation of being the “Greatest Little Town Parade in America.” Much of the money goes to pay for the bands, without which the parade would be very quiet. It also provides fuel for the vintage aircraft flyovers, public address systems, and temporary facilities. For information, contact the Julian Chamber of Commerce, 760/765-1857. Or visit www.julianparade.com Printer-friendly version
2.2K views42ND ANNUAL BIGHORN SHEEP COUNT JULY 5 TO 8, 2012 3.8K
Total Views: 38 June 16, 2012 (Anza-Borrego) — Over the Fourth of July weekend, volunteers will head into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to participate in the annual bighorn sheep count. If you can brave the heat, you’re invited to be part of this citizen science in action to help count this endangered population of desert bighorn sheep. View clips and see photos from last year’s Bighorn Sheep Count A mandatory training for new volunteers will take place on June 16, 2012. If you are interested in this opportunity, call (760) 767-5311 or email Ranger Steve Bier to get more information. Printer-friendly version
3.8K viewsCELEBRATE THE FOURTH WITH A BANG! 5.7K
Total Views: 38 East County News Service July 2, 2010 — Ready for a fun and festive Fourth of July? No need to fight traffic at the beach areas. East County has many patriotic celebrations including parades, free concerts, and several fireworks displays. Check out our guide below! El Cajon Kennedy Park Picnic & Fireworks The City of El Cajon will be holding their annual 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks at Kennedy Park, located at1675 East Madison Avenue. The picnic begins at 12:00 noon and the fireworks kickoff at 9:00 p.m. More details to come! Escondido Grape Day Park Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to Grape Day Park on July 4 for a fun-filled, all day, star-spangled celebration! Enjoy a variety of free entertainment, including musical performances, magicians, baton twirlers, children’s arts projects, old-fashioned contests and, of course, fireworks. A variety of refreshments will be available for purchase. Julian Community Fourth of July Parade Pre-parade activities start at 10 a.m., the parade starts at noon. Lake Murray Food, Festival and Fireworks The Music and Food Festival will have a number of booths and acts scheduled from noon to 9:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. This year will not be simulcast with radio, but will have a brand-new music tack played from the MusicFest site. Poway Old-Fashioned 4th Bring your family and friends and celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-twentieth-century-style” at the Old-fashioned Fourth of July from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Display your patriotic spirit and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun! Activities include music, steam train rides, train robbery enactments, face painting, patriotic arts and crafts, take your photo with Uncle Sam, iron working demonstrations, model trains, antique quilt display, arts and crafts market, old-fashioned games and food. Mira Mesa Fireworks Starting at 9:00 p.m. at Scripps Mesa Fireworks, in partnership with the Mira Mesa Community 4th of July Committee, presents the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show. The fireworks are set off from the upper athletic field of Mira Mesa High School at 9:00pm on July 4th. The show is visible from many areas around both communities. The fireworks are produced by San Diego Fireworks/PyroSpectaculars and are synchronized to music from radio station KYXY on 96.5 FM. Ramona Pending funding, there will be a July 4th Community Fireworks and Family Picnic at Olive Pierce Middle School from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The fireworks will be synchronized to music on KYXY 96.5 FM. To check on this event’s status, please call (760) 789-1311. Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th An array of fun events for the family, all day from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Pancake Breakfast, Motor Show, Memorial Service, Idol Competition, Fireworks, Community Fair and Parade. Santee Salutes Santee’s free 4th of July celebration includes live music by 80z All Stars, a Kid’s Zone with carnival rides, games and inflatables, fireworks, and a food court. Festivities run from 3:30-9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park’s West Ball Fields. For more information, call (619)258-4100 ext. 201 or visit www.ci.santee.ca.us. Reminder: Fireworks are illegal throughout San Diego County, except at authorized displays. Shooting off illegal fireworks can be dangerous and also poses a fire danger in our region. Printer-friendly version
5.7K views